Hollow superstructure for a dental prosthesis

Abstract

A superstructure for oral, dental and maxillofacial prostheses includes at least one anchoring dental element and at least one additional dental element, wherein the additional dental element has an internal hollow portion forming a closed cavity inside the same element. With respect to the known technology in the field, the superstructure of the invention offers the advantage of being lighter, more comfortable and less bothersome for the user, thanks to the substantial reduction in weight due to the smaller quantities of material used for producing it.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A superstructure for oral, dental and maxillofacial prostheses, comprising:
 a bridge provided with at least one anchoring dental element ( 2 , 3 , 20 ) for anchoring said bridge to a corresponding implant or stump; and 
 at least one additional dental element ( 8 , 13 , 14 , 15 ) secured to said at least one anchoring dental element ( 2 , 3 , 20 ), 
 wherein said at least one additional dental element ( 8 , 13 , 14 , 15 ) has an internal hollow portion defining, inside said at least one additional dental element ( 8 , 13 , 14 , 15 ), a first cavity ( 9 , 16 , 17 ) which is closed on a side thereof facing said implant or stump, and 
 wherein said bridge comprises at least one extension dental element ( 15 ) having a second cavity ( 18 ) which is closed on a side thereof facing said implant or stump. 
 
     
     
       2. The superstructure according to  claim 1 , wherein said superstructure has a continuous single cavity ( 19 ) which develops continuously at least inside said anchoring dental element, said additional dental element, and said at least one extension element ( 13 , 14 , 15 , 20 ), said continuous single cavity comprising said first cavity ( 9 ,  16 ,  17 ) and said second cavity ( 18 ). 
     
     
       3. The superstructure according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first cavity ( 9 , 16 , 17 ) or said second cavity ( 18 ) has an internal wall ( 10 ) provided with one or more reinforcing ribs ( 11 ). 
     
     
       4. The superstructure according to  claim 1 , wherein a side wall of said at least one additional dental element ( 8 , 13 , 14 , 15 ) has an opening ( 12 ) to providing access to said first cavity ( 9 ).